OpenAI says ChatGPT ads can be ‘additive’ if done right
OpenAI’s COO says ChatGPT ad rollout will be gradual and privacy-focused, as it tests monetization without compromising user trust.
The U.S. ad rollout of ChatGPT ads is “iterative,” according to OpenAI’s COO. The early-stage push to monetize ChatGPT’s massive free user base will evolve gradually as the company works to refine the model without eroding user trust.
What OpenAI says. Speaking at the India AI summit, COO Brad Lightcap described the rollout as “iterative,” emphasizing user trust and privacy, TechCrunch reported.
- Lightcap said ads, if done right, can be “additive” to the product experience — but acknowledged the company is still in early testing and will need time to refine the model.
Catch up quick. OpenAI started introducing ads to free and Go-tier users of ChatGPT in the U.S., marking a significant shift in its monetization strategy.
- CEO Sam Altman recently sparred publicly with Anthropic over its Super Bowl ad campaign, defending OpenAI’s commitment to broad, free AI access. He argued that scale creates a “differently-shaped problem” for OpenAI compared to rivals with smaller user bases.
- Reports suggest OpenAI is charging premium rates — as high as $60 CPM — with minimum commitments reportedly starting around $200,000.
- Partners like Shopify are enabling merchants to advertise in ChatGPT through Shop Campaigns, alongside early testers such as Target and Adobe.
Bottom line. Ads are now part of ChatGPT’s future. Stay tuned to see whether OpenAI can monetize without compromising the product experience that fuelled its growth.
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